12,474 research outputs found
The SENSE-Isomorphism Theoretical Image Voxel Estimation (SENSE-ITIVE) Model for Reconstruction and Observing Statistical Properties of Reconstruction Operators
The acquisition of sub-sampled data from an array of receiver coils has become a common means of reducing data acquisition time in MRI. Of the various techniques used in parallel MRI, SENSitivity Encoding (SENSE) is one of the most common, making use of a complex-valued weighted least squares estimation to unfold the aliased images. It was recently shown in Bruce et al. [Magn. Reson. Imag. 29(2011):1267-1287] that when the SENSE model is represented in terms of a real-valued isomorphism,it assumes a skew-symmetric covariance between receiver coils, as well as an identity covariance structure between voxels. In this manuscript, we show that not only is the skew-symmetric coil covariance unlike that of real data, but the estimated covariance structure between voxels over a time series of experimental data is not an identity matrix. As such, a new model, entitled SENSE-ITIVE, is described with both revised coil and voxel covariance structures. Both the SENSE and SENSE-ITIVE models are represented in terms of real-valued isomorphisms, allowing for a statistical analysis of reconstructed voxel means, variances, and correlations resulting from the use of different coil and voxel covariance structures used in the reconstruction processes to be conducted. It is shown through both theoretical and experimental illustrations that the miss-specification of the coil and voxel covariance structures in the SENSE model results in a lower standard deviation in each voxel of the reconstructed images, and thus an artificial increase in SNR, compared to the standard deviation and SNR of the SENSE-ITIVE model where both the coil and voxel covariances are appropriately accounted for. It is also shown that there are differences in the correlations induced by the reconstruction operations of both models, and consequently there are differences in the correlations estimated throughout the course of reconstructed time series. These differences in correlations could result in meaningful differences in interpretation of results
A scale-model room as a practical teaching experiment
A practical experiment is described which was used to help university students increase their understanding of the effect of construction methods and window design on passive solar heating and electrical heating. A number of one tenth scale model rooms were constructed by students and sited out-of-doors in the late autumn. The models were fabricated to mimic available commercial construction techniques with careful consideration being given to window size and placement for solar access. Each model had a thermostatically controlled electric heating element. The temperatures and electricity use of the models were recorded using data-loggers over a two week period. The performances of the models based on energy consumption and internal temperature were compared with each other and with predictions based upon thermal mass and R-values. Examples of questions used by students to facilitate this process are included. The effect of scaling on thermal properties was analysed using Buckingham’s p-theorem.<br /
Fast and robust two-qubit gates for scalable ion trap quantum computing
We propose a new concept for a two-qubit gate operating on a pair of trapped
ions based on laser coherent control techniques. The gate is insensitive to the
temperature of the ions, works also outside the Lamb-Dicke regime, requires no
individual addressing by lasers, and can be orders of magnitude faster than the
trap period
Representations of the Weyl group and Wigner functions for SU(3)
Bases for SU(3) irreps are constructed on a space of three-particle tensor
products of two-dimensional harmonic oscillator wave functions. The Weyl group
is represented as the symmetric group of permutations of the particle
coordinates of these space. Wigner functions for SU(3) are expressed as
products of SU(2) Wigner functions and matrix elements of Weyl transformations.
The constructions make explicit use of dual reductive pairs which are shown to
be particularly relevant to problems in optics and quantum interferometry.Comment: : RevTex file, 11 pages with 2 figure
Examining 'window dressing' : the views of black police associations on recruitment and training
In a previous issue of this journal, Ellis Cashmore (2002 Cashmore, E. 2002. âBehind the window dressing: minority ethnic police perspectives on cultural diversityâ. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 28(2): 327â41.
[Taylor & Francis Online], [CSA], [Google Scholar]
) discussed two key issues currently confronting police constabularies in England and Wales: the recruitment of minority ethnic officers and civilian staff, and the impact of diversity training now in place for all police officers. Cashmore argued that not only are these policies ineffective in enhancing cultural diversity within constabularies, but that they are harmful, presenting a false outward image of effective action. This article examines Cashmore's arguments and develops them in light of findings from recent research on Black Police Associations (BPAs) in England and Wales. Our findings firstly suggest that, because of heavy involvement with these initiatives and the close relationship BPAs have developed with senior management (in comparison to non-BPA members), they must be considered in any discussion of minority ethnic recruitment and diversity training. In addition, the majority of the officers we interviewed were supportive of current recruitment and training programmes. Secondly, we argue that BPAs are helping to change the nature of the overall police culture to a certain extent. Many minority ethnic officers no longer feel they must downplay their ethnicity as members of constabularies
Vector coherent state representations, induced representations, and geometric quantization: II. Vector coherent state representations
It is shown here and in the preceeding paper (quant-ph/0201129) that vector
coherent state theory, the theory of induced representations, and geometric
quantization provide alternative but equivalent quantizations of an algebraic
model. The relationships are useful because some constructions are simpler and
more natural from one perspective than another. More importantly, each approach
suggests ways of generalizing its counterparts. In this paper, we focus on the
construction of quantum models for algebraic systems with intrinsic degrees of
freedom. Semi-classical partial quantizations, for which only the intrinsic
degrees of freedom are quantized, arise naturally out of this construction. The
quantization of the SU(3) and rigid rotor models are considered as examples.Comment: 31 pages, part 2 of two papers, published versio
Weak Gravitational Flexion
Flexion is the significant third-order weak gravitational lensing effect
responsible for the weakly skewed and arc-like appearance of lensed galaxies.
Here we demonstrate how flexion measurements can be used to measure galaxy halo
density profiles and large-scale structure on non-linear scales, via
galaxy-galaxy lensing, dark matter mapping and cosmic flexion correlation
functions. We describe the origin of gravitational flexion, and discuss its
four components, two of which are first described here. We also introduce an
efficient complex formalism for all orders of lensing distortion. We proceed to
examine the flexion predictions for galaxy-galaxy lensing, examining isothermal
sphere and Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) profiles and both circularly symmetric
and elliptical cases. We show that in combination with shear we can precisely
measure galaxy masses and NFW halo concentrations. We also show how flexion
measurements can be used to reconstruct mass maps in 2-D projection on the sky,
and in 3-D in combination with redshift data. Finally, we examine the
predictions for cosmic flexion, including convergence-flexion
cross-correlations, and find that the signal is an effective probe of structure
on non-linear scales.Comment: 17 pages, including 12 figures, submitted to MNRA
Robust quantum gates on neutral atoms with cavity-assisted photon-scattering
We propose a scheme to achieve quantum computation with neutral atoms whose
interactions are catalyzed by single photons. Conditional quantum gates,
including an -atom Toffoli gate and nonlocal gates on remote atoms, are
obtained through cavity-assisted photon scattering in a manner that is robust
to random variation in the atom-photon coupling rate and which does not require
localization in the Lamb-Dicke regime. The dominant noise in our scheme is
automatically detected for each gate operation, leading to signalled errors
which do not preclude efficient quantum computation even if the error
probability is close to the unity.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Generation of Entangled Photon Holes using Quantum Interference
In addition to photon pairs entangled in polarization or other variables,
quantum mechanics also allows optical beams that are entangled through the
absence of the photons themselves. These correlated absences, or ``entangled
photon holes'', can lead to counter-intuitive nonlocal effects analogous to
those of the more familiar entangled photon pairs. Here we report an
experimental observation of photon holes generated using quantum interference
effects to suppress the probability that two photons in a weak laser pulse will
separate at an optical beam splitter.Comment: 4 pages, color figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.
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